WED, APRIL. 19 2023-theGBJournal |Chelsea needed a miraculous comeback to overcome a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid; Madrid needed to make sure they weren’t distracted by off-field issues, and it was a complete performance from Madrid; a clean sheet and a brace from Rodrygo, with assists from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde, they brushed aside the Chelsea side to make it a 4-0 aggregate win.
Frank Lampard became the first Chelsea manager in Premier League history to fail to win any of his first four games in charge. Lampard’s experiments fail.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side lined up in an unusual 3-5-1-1 formation, as he continued his strategy of not repeating the same tactical setup. Three center backs, two wingbacks, four mild fielders, and a single false nine striker made up the formation.
This formation’s goal was to control the game and cut off Madrid’s midfield supply. N’Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez, and Mateo Kovacic were tasked with controlling the neutral field, reading and cutting Madrid passes, recycling possession, and distributing it as quickly as possible as a counterattack. Chelsea pressed harder as a result of the formation.
The first half was nearly flawless, with Chelsea dominating possession (51%), but poor finishing and a lack of cutting edge were to blame for the lack of goals.
The formation was exposed in the second half when Madrid beat the system and the offside trap. Madrid won with two well-created goals, and Lampard will be kicking himself for not being more aggressive.
The formation also prioritizes strength and positioning over pace, which is surprising given that Madrid attacks thrive on a lack of speed. Chelsea’s offense is failing them.
Despite the significant investment made by Chelsea, their attack has proven to be one of their major issues, as evidenced by their failure to kill the first half due to poor attacking distribution and a lack of a recognized center forward. Chelsea’s attacking game plan is missing a center forward, which is the foundation of their attack.
Chelsea’s attacking game plan is missing a center forward, which is the foundation of their attack. Chelsea has struggled to produce with a focus on fluid attackers and false nine players, and without a goal scoring midfielder, Chelsea has struggled to score, and it is questionable whether the decision not to register Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a wise one.
Eduardo Camavinga’s versatility is his greatest strength. Rodrygo is living up to his potential, and Vinicius Junior is on his way to becoming Madrid’s king. Eduardo Camavinga’s performance at left back was outstanding. Eduardo Camavinga won more duels (11) and made more tackles (5) against Chelsea than any other player and, with his commanding displays in defense and on the ball, he is quickly becoming an untouchable player for Madrid.
Rodrygo certainly knows how to score in big games. His positioning and ability to read the game are valuable assets, and he could be intimidating to opponents if he continues to grow.
Rodrygo’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea: 90% passing accuracy 49 touches; 8 touches in the opposition box; 4 duels won with 3 crosses. 3 shots Two shots on target created two chances for two goals.
Vincius Jnior just can’t keep on scoring or assisting; he is becoming a Madrid favorite, and it will not be long before he becomes the club’s main man.
His game by numbers vs. Chelsea: 56 touches, 11 touches in the opponent’s box, 9 duels won, 5 successful take-ons, and 5 possessions gained. 4 fouls won, 2 crosses, 1 assist. He now has the most assists in the UCL this season (5).-Curtesy Wavvysport
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